Highly knowledgeable architectural and interior design firms are applying design psychology in creating their work places. The use of contemporary and exceedingly functional and innovative office chairs and desks are no longer the only considerations when designing their offices. Color plays an important factor in making the workplace a “brighter”, “happier” and more productive space.
This is not to say that the type and make of office chairs and other office furniture are not important. On the contrary. How do you expect an employee to be more productive if the office chair he is using is the epitome of quiet torture? How do you choose the right office chair then?
What is your work? The type of office chair that you choose should be in synch with the type of work that you do. If you are an architect, an interior designer, an illustrator or a graphic artist, a drafting table is your desk so to speak. An ordinary office chair would not work for you. You need a drafting stool or a drafting chair. A new form of drafting chair is the kneeling office chair. This type of office chair has no back support with the seat inclined forward and a support pad for your knees. The tendency is for you to be in a semi-kneeling position with your neck, shoulders and spine naturally aligned. This office chair is perfect for long hours of drafting or drawing. Since most models have adjustable seats and kneeling pads, this type of office chair could be used for regular desks too.
What material do you prefer? There are different materials for an office chair: wood, metal and plastic. Seats can be cushioned and upholstered either with natural or synthetic fabric. Natural fabrics are cotton, linen, wool and leather. Synthetics are acetate, acrylics, nylon, microfiber, polyester, olefin and vinyl. If you prefer an all wood material for an office chair, prepare to have a rather stiff back at the end of work day unless the wooden office chair is ergonomically designed. Ergonomics is all about designs being comfortable to the user. New office chair models are in some ways, ergonomically designed. Most people prefer metal frame office chairs with cushions for more comfort while doing office work.
What type do you prefer? There are probably thousands of office chair designs available in the market today. Choosing an office chair would seem daunting but you can find the right office chair no matter what your specifications are. You now know about kneeling office chairs and ergonomic ones. There is the mesh and ventilated office chair where the backrest is made of breathable fabric. There is the swivel office chair with a lever for adjusting the height of the seat. This type is usually used as computer chairs that are ergonomically designed too. If you are your own boss, then there is no problem with you acquiring a traditional executive office chair. Features of this type of office chair are: a 360 degree seat-swivel; a gas lift seat height adjustment; tilting seat action and standard casters.
Regular office chairs have a maximum capacity of 250 pounds. What if you are tall and quite heavy? Available for heavier individuals is the big and tall office chair. There is nothing special about this type of chair pertaining to design or material. The difference is that these chairs have the capacity to “sit” bigger and taller users as this type of chair has a capacity of up to 450 pounds. The frame is of heavy-duty metal with cushions of high density foam on steel-reinforced seat. Seat swivels 360 degrees with a pneumatic seat height adjustment.
You do not have to go through all these steps when choosing the right office chair for you. You might just want to choose an office chair based on how it looks feels and fits. When making your final choice, consider the price tag as expensive does not necessarily translate to “best”. Note that a good choice for an office chair would have to be comfortable enough to minimize stress and one that supports your neck, shoulders and back.